Exploring the Current Practices and Future Needs of Marine Engineering Education in Bangladesh

Hasan Mahbub Tusher,Ziaul Haque Munim,Amit Sharma,Salman Nazir

doi:10.3390/jmse9101085

Hasan Mahbub Tusher, Ziaul Haque Munim + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9101085

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Abstract

Developing countries, despite being the major suppliers of maritime manpower, lag in their future-proof competence development. This study explores whether the current maritime education and training (MET) practices for marine engineering education in a developing nation are perceived as sufficient by the early-stage marine engineers. The current competence requirements set by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW’74 as amended) are compared and contrasted against the current MET practices as well as the future needs for remotely controlled autonomous ship operations. Bangladesh, a maritime nation in the Southeast Asia region was selected as a developing nation for this study. An online survey was conducted among early-stage professional marine engineers. The analysis of 62 valid responses revealed that current MET practices are significantly perceived to be satisfactory for acquiring non-technical competencies, such as being proficient in the English language, but are less satisfactory for instilling technical competencies such as of electrical and electronics, knowledge regarding seaworthiness of ships, as well as medical first aid. In addition, the findings highlight the perceived gaps in existing marine engineering education as well as the need for future studies focused on re-training the future maritime workforce that could potentially improve MET strategies and practices in the developing nations.

Highlights

The shipping industry is frequently termed as the lifeblood of the global economy, carrying almost 90% of traded goods worldwide [1]
The goal of this study is to explore if the current Maritime Education and Training (MET) practices are perceived as sufficient by early-stage marine engineers for acquiring the engineering competencies as required by STCW (STCW’74 as amended)
Positive difference with a higher mean score for “current MET sufficiency” indicates that the current MET practices are perceived to be sufficient by the early-stage marine engineers for the corresponding competencies

Summary

Introduction

The shipping industry is frequently termed as the lifeblood of the global economy, carrying almost 90% of traded goods worldwide [1]. Maritime Education and Training (MET) plays a crucial role in instilling required skills and competencies in seafarers to perform efficiently in their workplaces [2]. There are numerous MET institutions globally that strive to equip seafarers with appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes in accordance to STCW’74 as amended to be able to operate efficiently in their workplaces [5]. With the emergence of new technology and changing work environments, the standards of education and training are evolving. These disruptions could potentially challenge the MET institutions with the need for constant re-evaluation of their current practices and future strategies

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